NW Corner Selectmen candidates in contested races introduce themselves

Municipal elections will be held at Town Halls (and by absentee ballot) on Tuesday, Nov. 2.
This year, only Kent and Cornwall have multiple candidates for their boards of selectmen; candidates in the four other towns in the region are all unopposed.
Absentee ballots became available Oct. 1 at town halls. COVID-19 remains a valid reason for voting absentee.
Election results will not be available until after we go to press with our issue of Nov. 4, but we will post them online at www.tricornernews.com as soon as they are available.
— Cynthia Hochswender
 
 

Kent

Jean Speck
First Selectman, Kent
Democratic, Incumbent
Managing the complex, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was a priority for me as first selectman. Working with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, I brought a state-sponsored test site to Kent. I also focused on creating a more sustainable future for the town, joining the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management. I brought the town transfer station into state regulatory compliance and worked with Housatonic Regional Resources Authority to add glass recycling as part of a pilot program.
In my second term, I plan to continue work in these and other areas to ensure Kent continues the delicate balance of growth and resiliency through a sustainable, engaged and prepared community.
 
Rufus de Rham
First Selectman, Kent
Petitioning
A homeowner since 1978, I am a retired teacher who works with nonprofits. It is now time to give back to Kent. I am uniquely qualified to lead the town in a positive direction: almost 40 years of town board experience (P&Z, Zoning Appeals, Finance, Selectmen and Assessment Appeals) and 30 years as a KVFD EMT. My skills and temperament will lead Kent in a positive direction. With an open door approach, welcoming input from all constituents, my goals are to create a strong economic development plan, finish the long overdue Streetscape project, and establish an active senior center.
 
James Rundall
First Selectman, Kent
Petitioning
I’m a third-generation Kent resident and I live here with my wife, Jessie, and my 14-year-old daughter. I want to help keep our town attractive for families. There’s no place for young children to hang out. For example; Emery Park needs some updates and new equipment; and kids have to walk along Route 341 to get there on their own. Our sidewalks need work, too. Kent is very busy, and I’d like to work on getting this job done esthetically, right and quickly. I’m a veteran member of the fire company; I’m well-known around town. I’m available to help with anything. 
 
Glenn Sanchez
Selectman, Kent
Democratic
I am running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in Kent because I want to give back to this town that has given me so much over the last 27 years that I have called this place home. My wife, Sarah, and I were married and raised two children in this town. We work and recently bought a house in this town. I wish to collaborate with Kent residents on important issues such as the completion of the Streetscape project, improving housing affordability, and increasing broadband connectivity. I seek to lend my voice in preserving what we all love about Kent.
 
First selectman candidate Ed Matson, who is an incumbent on the Kent Board of Selectmen, did not provide a profile.
 

Cornwall

Gordon Ridgway
First Selectman, Cornwall
Democratic, Incumbent
I am seeking another term as Cornwall’s first selectman as I enjoy being in the middle of a community that is cooperatively moving forward. Our town has a sense of homegrown energy. Residents here are working to revitalize homes, businesses and civic organizations. School enrollment is up. Baby carriages and e-bikes are cruising around town. I look forward to implementing a town affordable housing plan, getting the West Cornwall wastewater project going, encouraging outdoor recreation/environmental appreciation, and helping those in need. We have an experienced team at Town Hall to assist residents. I look forward to good things happening in Cornwall during the next two years.
 
Janet Carlson
Selectman, Cornwall
Democratic
In 2009, my family chose Cornwall for the community. And I became an active member of it.
I’m currently chair of the Economic Development Commission, involved with the West Cornwall Library, and was elected to the Board of Finance, actively investing time and energy into this community by bringing new businesses and families into it, growing our schools, bringing free Wifi to Cornwall, and working to keep our tax rate low. 
As selectman, I will continue to actively care about this community, being a fully vested member of it. You will soon have a choice. Make it the active one.
 
Nicholas Daifotis
Selectman, Cornwall
Republican
I care about the current state of the democratic process in Cornwall. As a selectman I will represent the voices that are not always heard. Civility and respect for the opinions of all citizens is paramount to working toward solutions. Drawing on my 30-year career in finance, I will apply independent and thoughtful analysis, and collaborative teamwork toward  resolving issues. I support regional cooperation, but not at the expense of doing what’s best for Cornwall. I’m ready to listen and work tirelessly to keep Cornwall unique.
 
Priscilla Pavel
Selectman, Cornwall
Petitioning, Incumbent
I’ve been actively involved in Cornwall for 46 years, leading town organizations, volunteering on committees and commissions, attending hundreds of town meetings, and as selectman for four years. I listen to what you say and want and your input guides me in my decisions as selectman. I will continue to work to attract families and businesses to our town, support economic growth and our natural environment, and put Cornwall first. I believe working with other towns is in Cornwall’s best interests: together better decisions and leveraging economies of scale happen. My thinking, heart, decisions, and years of involvement are my “Cornwall resume.”

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